Sea holly, Holly mangrove
Acanthus ebracteatus
Family: Acanthaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
It is used in traditional medicine.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in mangroves.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand
How it is used for food
The leaves are used as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds or from cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Jeruju hitam, Kayar, Khaya, Ngearkpramore